{"id":2386,"date":"2025-11-13T10:12:15","date_gmt":"2025-11-13T10:12:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/?p=2386"},"modified":"2025-11-13T10:12:16","modified_gmt":"2025-11-13T10:12:16","slug":"guide-olive-oil-greenway-andalusia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/guide-olive-oil-greenway-andalusia\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to the Olive Oil Greenway of Andalusia: A Different and Lesser-Known Way to Discover This Region"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When people think of southern Spain<\/a>, the first things that come to mind are the beaches, flamenco, or the monuments of Seville<\/a> and Granada<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But we want to let you in on a not-so-hidden secret: the Camino Natural V\u00eda Verde del Aceite<\/strong>, a route that will steal your heart and is part of Spain\u2019s Natural Pathways Network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your idea of a perfect holiday blends nature, sports, history, and gastronomy<\/a>, keep reading this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll love it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Explore our experiences with local cooks.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Enjoy the best local food<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What is the V\u00eda Verde?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Imagine taking an old railway line, removing the tracks, and turning it into the perfect path for walking, cycling, or just enjoying the scenery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s exactly what the V\u00eda Verde del Aceite is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This route is the result of repurposing what was once the Linares\u2013Puente Genil railway line, known locally as the Oil Train<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The name says it all: the line was vital for transporting olive oil<\/a> and other goods from inland areas to the Port of M\u00e1laga<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, the path has been transformed not only for hikers and cyclists, but also made accessible for people with reduced mobility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location and Key Details to Start Planning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This greenway is the longest in all of Andalusia and crosses through the provinces of Ja\u00e9n and C\u00f3rdoba<\/strong>, the global heart of olive oil production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to do the full route, keep in mind it spans around 128 kilometers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We recommend starting your adventure in the city of Ja\u00e9n<\/strong>, specifically near the Las Fuentezuelas sports center, and finishing near Puente Genil (C\u00f3rdoba), at the old Campo Real station, which is about six kilometers from the town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This direction is the easiest, with more downhill than uphill stretches\u2014something you\u2019ll definitely appreciate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Along the way, the path treats you to breathtaking views and stops in charming towns that embody the Andalusian essence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Explore our experiences with local cooks.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Book your local experience<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Towns and Infrastructure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Key towns along the route include Martos and Alcaudete in Ja\u00e9n, and then into C\u00f3rdoba, where you’ll pass through Luque, Zuheros, Do\u00f1a Menc\u00eda, Cabra, and Lucena.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To give you a sense of the infrastructure: you\u2019ll cross twelve old train stations<\/strong>, thirteen viaducts<\/strong>, and three tunnels<\/strong>, all beautifully preserved from the railway era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A whole slice of heritage that adds to the experience<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the Route: Segments and Experiences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This incredible 128-kilometer adventure is divided into three main segments<\/strong>, each with its own personality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s explore what each section offers, from unmistakable landscapes to architectural gems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Segment 1: Ja\u00e9n \u2013 Guadajoz River (Province of Ja\u00e9n)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This first section immerses you in a literal \u201csea of olive trees<\/strong>\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll walk or cycle through endless olive groves\u2014after all, Ja\u00e9n holds the title for the highest density of olive trees in the world!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll likely smell the rich scent of olive oil mills (almazaras) working during the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This section reaches the highest point of the whole route, in Martos, at about 650 meters elevation, with a total incline of around 250 meters\u2014but don\u2019t worry, it\u2019s very manageable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into history, the beginning of the route connects with the Archaeological Route of Los Torreones<\/strong>, a 32-kilometer circular path that explores medieval towers and fortifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further along, you\u2019ll pass the old Vado-Ja\u00e9n station, a historically significant railway junction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nature lovers will enjoy the final stretch of this segment, which runs alongside the Laguna Honda and Laguna del Chinche Natural Reserves<\/strong>\u2014some of the best-preserved wetlands in Ja\u00e9n, perfect for birdwatching species like the endangered white-headed duck (Malvas\u00eda Cabeciblanca).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Guadajoz River marks the natural boundary and the entrance into C\u00f3rdoba province.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Segment 2: La Subb\u00e9tica (Province of C\u00f3rdoba)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Crossing into C\u00f3rdoba, the landscape becomes more mountainous and dramatic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll enter the Natural Park and UNESCO Global Geopark of the Sierras Subb\u00e9ticas<\/strong>, a stunning area with rich geological features\u2014valleys, caves, and unique karst formations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wildlife also thrives here. It\u2019s a great spot to observe majestic birds of prey like the golden eagle and peregrine falcon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Near Luque, you\u2019ll find the \u201cRuta de Las Buitreras<\/strong>,\u201d home to a large griffon vulture colony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the Laguna del Conde Natural Reserve, a bird observatory lets you spot flamingos, ducks, and coots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the cultural<\/a> side, this section is full of treasures:<\/p>\n\n\n\n